Tar Heels figure defense is bound to improve

Now it’s up to the Tar Heels to make it look that way as they try to slow down opposing offenses this season.

“Definitely a lot more confident going into the season, knowing the schemes and everything,” defensive end Kareem Martin said. “Just knowing what to do now. We’ve had a whole offseason with the playbook.”

The attention falling on North Carolina’s defense wasn’t glowing by the end of the 2012 season. The Tar Heels gave up 32.9 points per game against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents.

They jump right into this season with Thursday night’s visit to sixth-ranked South Carolina.

If nothing else, the Tar Heels ought to be feeling more comfortable in their second year under coach Larry Fedora. With how the 2012 season unfolded, the defense became what Fedora referred to as “a confidence problem.”

With Shaw as a starter, the Gamecocks are 17-3, including an unbeaten mark in 10 home games. Perhaps there’s an equalizer in that Vic Koenning, who oversees North Carolina’s defense, was defensive coordinator at Clemson during that team’s 3-1 mark against Spurrier-coached South Carolina teams from 2005-08.

On the field, North Carolina doesn’t possess Shaw’s kind of experience, especially with the linebackers. That group won’t be capable right away of showcasing the type of leadership that Kevin Reddick provided last year, Fedora said.

But there could be other areas that are enhanced.

“We’ve have worked extensively on tackling in the open field,” Fedora said. “The other part of it is you’ve got to understand what you’re doing. Know your job and do your job.”

Senior Tim Jackson has received praise from teammates during the preseason. His move from nose tackle down one spot on the line has been a bonus, Martin said.

A veteran secondary could make a difference, with senior safety Tre Boston returning as the team’s leading tackler from a year ago. The Tar Heels had an ACC-leading 16 interceptions last season.

Still, the whole thing has to mesh.

“We can’t go out and make mistakes that everyone makes in their first game,” Martin said.

So that defense will fall under scrutiny right away.

“I’m going to expect our defense to be better this year,” Fedora said. “And you know what, usually your team does what you expect.”